We are in the midst of some interesting times in Jefferson County Schools.

Just this morning teachers, parents and students at two Jeffco high schools rallied against a proposed curriculum review panel. Last night, the school board continued its discussion of a controversial teacher compensation plan. Since the election of a new board majority last November, tension has been building in our school district.

November 2013 was also the month that I left my job as a pastor and jumped into full-time leading Edgewater Collective.

Since then people have been trying to figure out where I stand in regards to the debates within Jeffco Schools. Some think I am aligned with the Tea Party and others think I’m linked with the teachers’ association. Some people think I am anti-charter and others think I am pro-charter.

Given the divisiveness and politics in our school district, it’s an interesting time to birth a nonprofit organization focused on education.

My bottom line is that Edgewater Collective is driven by the dream that all children in our greater Edgewater area can succeed from cradle to career. I dream of the day when Jefferson High School will compete with top high schools like Lakewood and Wheat Ridge.

To this end, we are building a broad coalition of community stakeholders because we believe we need input from a variety of viewpoints and sources. There is truth to be found from many different places and people.

Our board mirrors this commitment to listening to all voices and building a broad coalition. One of our board members works for a charter school in Denver. Another board member works for Governor Hickenlooper in the Colorado Minority Business Office. And yet another works for an advocacy group in Denver. But what unites our board is that we all live within a mile of Edgewater and are driven to see all children succeed.

While factions in Jeffco Schools argue back and forth, we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to see all kids succeed from cradle to career. We will listen to all sides and build consensus on what needs to be done.

Join us in our work. Spread the word. Invest financially. Volunteer your time.

Let’s find common ground in helping each of these children succeed!